This excerpt is from a conversation had with one of our clients on October 20, 2020.

“It went from nice and warm to freezing cold – and I really dislike the cold.

I’ve been trying to do the housing program and get off the street that way but my drug use, a lack of housing, and inability to keep a schedule make it hard to maintain a job.

I’d honestly try to go back to work if I had a place to live but I can’t do all of that while I’m staying at a shelter

These COVID cheques have been nice but all they’re really helping with is food and clothing. I would definitely use that money on my rent if I already had a place but putting $1,500 – $2,000 down just to secure a place, all while still trying to eat… you’re pretty much screwed.

It would also help to have a housing program that doesn’t make you go through the whole process of getting taxes or IDs before getting a place. Somebody told me of a program like that in Innisfail. They’ll find you a place to live before you even get your ID or a bank account.

I’ve been trying to do the housing program and get off the street that way but my drug use, a lack of housing, and inability to keep a schedule make it hard to maintain a job.

It should be a matter of putting you in a place first and then working on the rest of the details afterward.

I understand a lot of people really screw it up when it comes to housing. They might only live there for a month and they’ll totally trash the place. But the housing programs do need to understand that what they’re doing is a good thing.

The help is there when we need it. I just hope more people take advantage of these supports and try to benefit themselves in a better way, rather than pursue a quick fix.”